Certification Categories

Federal regulations require all CDL and commercial learner's permit holders and new applicants for these credentials to certify to one
of the four following categories of commercial motor vehicle (CMV) operation: (1) excepted interstate; (2) excepted intrastate; (3)
non-excepted interstate; and (4) non-excepted intrastate. Effective July 1, 2015, certification to either categories of intrastate CMV operation will require an Intrastate Only restriction of "K" to be place on the credential.

New Medical Examiner Requirement

Effective May 21, 2014, CDL drivers who certify to one of the non-excepted categories of commercial motor vehicle (CMV) operation (i.e., non-excepted interstate or non-excepted intrastate) will be required to have their physical examination completed by a medical examiner who is listed on the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s (FMCSA's) National Registry of Medical Examiners.

If you have a medical examination certificate that was completed prior to the May 21, 2014 deadline by an examiner not listed on the National Registry of Medical Examiners, it will be valid until its expiration date. The Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) will not accept any medical examination certificates completed on or after May 21, 2014, unless it was completed by a medical examiner listed on the National Registry and the certificate displays the medical examiner’s registry number.

For more information on how to locate a medical examiner who is on the Registry, refer to the National Registry of Medical Examiners. Please remember that you are required to carry a paper copy of your medical examiner’s certificate with you until January 30, 2015.

For Existing CDL and Commercial Learner's Permit Holders

If you hold a CDL or a commercial learner's permit that was issued prior to January 29, 2012 , you must provide DMV with your Commercial Driver's License (CDL) Self Certification form (DL 8) and if applicable,
any medical documentation (i.e. medical examiner's certificate, also known as a DOT Medical Card, medical variance/waiver/skill performance evaluation certificate (SPE)).

Existing CDL and commercial learner's permit holders will be notified by mail of the new CDL certification and medical requirements. Included
in the letter is a FAQ sheet and a Commercial Driver's License (CDL) Self Certification form (DL 8).

If you certify to one of the excepted categories (i.e. excepted interstate or excepted intrastate), you must submit the
Commercial Driver's License (CDL) Self Certification form ((DL 8)). You will not have to submit any
medical documentation.

If you certify to one of the non-excepted categories (i.e., non-excepted interstate or non-excepted intrastate), you must submit:

Either a copy of your medical examiner's certificate (also known as a DOT Medical Card) OR your state approved medical
variance/waiver letter. If the medical examiner's certificate indicates that you have been granted a federal waiver exemption and/or SPE, you must also submit a copy of the document AND visit a DMV customer service center on or after January 30, 2012, to have a new CDL issued to you with a "V'" restriction code as required by federal and state law.

If Applying for an Original, Renewal, or Replacement CDL/Commercial Learner's Permit

If you are applying for an original, renewal, or replacement CDL/commercial learner's permit, you must certify on your application to one of the four categories of commercial motor vehicle (CMV) operations listed above.
Based on your certification category, you may be required to submit additional medical documentation.

If you certify to one of the excepted categories (i.e., excepted interstate or excepted intrastate), you will not have to submit any medical documentation.

If you certify to one of the non-excepted categories (i.e., non-excepted interstate or non-excepted intrastate), you must submit either a copy of your medical examiner's certificate (also known as a DOT Medical Card) OR your state approved medical variance/waiver letter. If the medical examiner's certificate indicates that you have been granted a federal waiver exemption and/or SPE, you must also submit a copy of the document(s).

Submitting Your Documentation

Prior to submission, please make sure that the information on your medical document(s) is legible, clear and complete.
For your convenience and use as a guide, DMV has provided you with a template of
the two most commonly submitted medical examiner's certificates.